“The Word of the Year for Belarusians Is Dignity”

Teacher Natallia Dulina told why you need to not give up.

Until 2020, Natallia Dulina was a lecturer at the Minsk Linguistic University. She supported the changes in Belarus and her students, who spoke out against the violence and electoral fraud.

After the strike attempt, Natallia Dulina became famous in Belarus.

In a conversation with Nasha Niva, Natallia told why Belarusians should not give up.

“A year has passed since the August events.

I am very glad that people who find themselves in difficult conditions do not break down and remain people. Earlier, it seemed to me that few can pass such tests. And now I see that most people are behaving very decently. Thanks to them, I also became stronger.

If I, as a linguist, were asked what is the keyword of this year that word characterizes Belarus and Belarusians, I would choose “dignity.” It is ambiguous, has different sides and shades. But, thanks to him, we can describe everything that we have discovered in ourselves, what we feel in relation to each other, what makes us happy, and what does not.

I was also pleasantly surprised that the Belarusians and I are looking in the same direction, that there are like-minded people nearby. I used to be more skeptical of people. There was such a stereotype. After August, my environment has not changed. There are like-minded people. Yes, some didn't show their best side. But I didn't feel disappointed. History shows what meanness a person is capable of, so there is nothing strange here. I am more surprised and shocked by positive examples when a person turns out to be strong, worthy and shows solidarity. A desire to help, an attempt to surround one with care can make me cry more than negative examples.

In today's context, I am not a pessimist. I understand perfectly well: even if Lukashenka leaves, his associates may appear who will not just give up power. But I still think that everything will be fine. We will not go back to what it was before. Our people are going through a very traumatic but, at the same time, valuable experience. Therefore, I am glad that I am now in Belarus. I do not want to leave the country, then I would be very sad and uncomfortable; I am inspired by the fact that I am here."